North Yorkshire LPA BNG

North Yorkshire, the largest county in England by land area, features a rich mosaic of landscapes including upland moorlands, lowland farmland, ancient woodlands, river valleys, and a dramatic coastline. The unitary authority of North Yorkshire Council, formed in 2023, covers both rural and urban areas including towns such as Harrogate, Scarborough, Selby, and Northallerton.

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In line with the Environment Act 2021, North Yorkshire Council requires most developments to deliver a minimum of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), which may be achieved through on-site habitat creation, restoration, or off-site biodiversity units and credits.

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The region spans multiple National Character Areas (NCAs), including Yorkshire Wolds, Pennine Dales Fringe, Howardian Hills, and Yorkshire Dales. These NCAs encompass habitats such as upland heath, calcareous grasslands, wet meadows, ancient woodlands, rivers, and estuarine environments. Species supported include curlew, otter, red squirrel, great crested newt, and numerous farmland birds and invertebrates.

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Effective BNG in North Yorkshire focuses on restoring fragmented habitats, enhancing woodland and river corridors, and creating stepping stones for wildlife across agricultural and peri-urban landscapes.

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Our team provides expert BNG assessments, metric calculations, and habitat surveys across this highly varied and ecologically significant area.